Control strip composing machine



July 13, 1943.

H. D; COLMAN CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Filed-Jan. 15, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORI 1 Howard D. Colman BY 71. 4.2, fm $4.44

ATTORNEYS July 13,1943.

n r 4 u H. D.- COLMAN 2,324,280

CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Howard .D. Ce/man m2 4% W115 M4,

ATTORNEYS 13, 1943. H. D. COLMAN 2,324,280

vCONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR 562 Howard .D. Colman ATTORNEY-5 y 3 9 3- H. D. COLMAN 2,324,280

CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE I Filed Jan. 15, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Howard D. Co/rnan m5: W222 M ATTORNEYS July 13, 1943. H. D. COLMAN 2,324,280

CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 I84 g IQ INVENTOR Howard .D. Colman ATTORNEYS y 1943- H. D. COLMAN 2,324,280

CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1940 13 sham-sheet e INVE OR Hawar- .D. Ca/man ATI'ORN EYS July 13, 1943. H. D. COLMAN 2,324,280

CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTOR. Howard D. Colman ATTORNEYS H. D. COLMAN CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE July 13, 1943.

13 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Jan. 15, 1940 INVENTOR Howard D. Co/man Y /:4 ,i24/% ATTORNEYS July 13, 1943. H. D. COLMAN CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 ATTORNEYS July 13, 1943. H. D. COLMAN CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE 13 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Jan. 15, 1940 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS July 13, 1943. H. D. COLMAN CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet l1 n a M O C m D a w 0 H v ATTORNEYS July 13, 1943. H. D. COLMAN CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1940 15 Sheets-Sheet 12 iNVENTOR Howard D. Co/man BY m4q w4-/W w ATTORNEYS July 13,1943. H. D. COLMAN 2,324,280

CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE I Filed Jan. 15, 1940 -1s Sheets-Sheet 1s INVENTQR 7 Howard D. Co/m an ATTORNEYS Patented July 13, 1943 CONTROL STRIP COMPOSING MACHINE Howard D. Colman, Rockford, 111., assignor to Barber-Colman Company, Rockford, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application January 15, 1940, Serial No. 313,851

81 Claims.

The invention relates to typographical composing machines of the general class in which composition is effected by the manipulation of the keys of a manual keyboard, and is more particularly concerned with machines for preparing control forms for use in controlling type or line casting machines, printing machines and allied typographic machines.

The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved tabulating mechanism which in its use in machines of the above general character greatly facilitates the composition of straight tabular matter or combinations of tabular and solid matter by simplifying the work of the operator and by eliminating time-consuming manual operations.

Another object is to provide a tabulating mechanism which in response to successive actuations of a single key is operative to automatically select and record a series of signal combinations, each designating the starting position of the lines of one of the tabular columns of a tabular composition, such signals being effective to control the typographic machine so that the characters or figures of the columns will invariably be in proper vertical alinement in the finished copy.

Another object is to provide a tabulating mechanism which is automatically operative to select and record a signal combination representative of a specific digit position in a column upon actuation of a key corresponding to such position, the signal varying according to the columnar arrangement employed and the particular column involved.

Still another object is to provide a tabulating mechanism which has a wide range of adjustment and which can be quickly and easily set to conform to any desired tabular arrangement as regards the number and relative location of the tabular columns and which when set is automatically operative upon actuation of a tabulating key to select and record the proper signal combinations to insure printing of the characters in the desired location in the finished copy.

In carrying out the foregoin objects, I provide a mechanism which is adapted to be incorporated in a keyboard-controlled composing machine such as a tape perforator. Through the medium of this mechanism, the operator is enabled by a single key actuation to select and perforate or otherwise record on the control tape the various signal combinations required to control a typographic machine in producing tabular matter in accordance With-a predetermined plan without requiring any manual adjustment orsetting of the casting or printing machine for this purpose.

The problem involved in producing a practicable mechanism of the above character is complicated by the fact that tabular arrangements vary widely in different compositions. Accordingly, provision is made in the improved mechanism whereby it may be quickly and accurately adjusted or set before composition is started so as to produce any desired tabular arrangement. As an example, the mechanism may be set for any desired number of columns, thirty-two columns being the maximum in the exemplary mechanism herein disclosed. These columns may be located at any desired positions measured lengthwise of the line as it appears in the finished copy. Such adjustment is made only when the tabular arrangement is changed from that previously composed, and once made, the selection of signal combinations and their recordation on the control tape are effected automatically in response to the actuation of a tabulating key of the keyboard.

The Work of the operator is further facilitated and the necessity of back spacing or forward spacing when composing colurnns of figures which differ in the number of digits is reduced to a minimum by the provision of a plurality of tabulating keys corresponding to different digit positions of the columns. The tabulating mechanism includes means operated under the control of these keys for automatically selecting a signal representative of the digit position indicated by the key actuated. In other words, upon actuation of any one of the keys, the mechanism automatically calculates the specific position in the line at which the first figure in any given column is to appear in the finished copy, and it further automatically selects the proper signal combination to cause the typographic machine to produce the desired result. Thus, while the invention in its broader aspects seeks to faciliteate the composition of the tabular matter, it has for one of its special objects the provision of a mechanism which can be readily incorporated in a perforating or other composing machine in which it is adapted to cooperate with the other elements of the machine to increase its range of usefulness by making it available for composition of substantially any type of copy.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved tabulating mechanism for simultaneously controlling printing and perforating mechanisms in a composing machine, the latter operating to record signals on a control form for subseguent control of a typographic machine, while the former produces a printed proof corresponding in arrangement to the final copy produced by the typographic machine whereby to provide a visible record for the guidance of the operator.

A more specific object is to provide an improved tabulating mechanism for controlling tape perforating machines which, in response to the actuation of a single manually operable key, is operative automatically to effect recordation of two distinct signal combinations on the control tape, one of said signal combinations serving to condition the typographic machine for the tabulating operation, the second signal combination serving to control the machine to eifect printing in a predetermined position in a line.

A further object is to provide novel tape feeding mechanism adapted for high speed operation and operative to feed the tape either forwardly or backwardly.

A still further object is to provide novel means for interrupting the tape feed during operating cycles in which no signals are perforated, thereby conserving tape and eliminating blank positions which cause loss of time through idle cycling of the typographic machine controlled by the tape.

The objects of the invention above set forth, together with other and ancillary advantages, are attained by the construction and arrangement illustrated in the accompanying drawings and hereinafter more particularly described. be understood, however, that various changes in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts may be made by those skilled in the art, without deparing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figures 1 and 2, when placed side by side with the latter figure at the left, constitute a plan view of a composing machine embodying the features of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a detail view of the setting slide looking detent.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the tape perforating mechanism. j

Fig. 5 shows a detail of the punch actuating mechanism.

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 66 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a perspective View of the master tapes and associated mechanisms.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing details of the master tape positioning mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentaryplan view of the pin bars and the associated mechanism for selectively looking out all bars except one for each column of the composition.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line Ill-l0 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a view, partly in section, showing details of the column slide detent.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View showing the pin bar chain for rendering the pin bars effective in proper sequence.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view show ing details of the pin bar chain.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the pin bar chain and associated manual and automatic means for setting and blanking the pins.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of the control unit including the pin bar supporting car and the means for shifting it to position the pin bars for preliminary setting.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view of the manually operated setting mechanism by which the control unit of the tabulating mech- It is to.

anism may be adjusted for different tabular arrangements. This figure also shows certain of the pin bars and the manner in which the pins of the bars are set to designate the positions in a line at which the various columns are located.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary perspective View of the keyboard showing the tabulating keys and associated mechanism.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a part of the mechanism for controlling the operating cycle of the machine in the composition of tabular matter.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the power driven mechanism including the tabulating cam shaft and control devices associated therewith.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of the tape feed mechanism and associated control apparatus.

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of the keyboard showing the character keys and associated selector mechanism by which the perforating and printing mechanisms are selectively controlled.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view showing details of the proof printing mechanism.

Fig. 220. shows a section of a proof sheet containing tabular matter.

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the relationship of various operating and control instrumentalities of the machine.

By way of illustration, the invention is shown and will hereinafter be described as applied to a keyboard-operated control strip perforator, which is equipped with keyboard mechanism and printing mechanism similar to that disclosed and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 62,742, filed February 7, 1936, now Patent No. 2,196,354, granted April 9, 1940. Since the printing mechanism per se forms no part of the present invention, only those parts have been illustrated which are necessary for an understanding of the relationship and coaction of the several mechanisms, and reference may be had to the above mentioned application for a description of the details of construction. While, as stated, the invention has been shown in connection with a perforating machine, it should be understood that any other form of tape marking apparatus might be employed instead, and the reference in the appended claims to a tape perforating apparatus and a perforated tape is intended to comprehend any kind of control form whose symbols are capable of controlling the operation of a typographic machine.

The control form produced by the machine to be described is particularly suitable for the control of a type casting machine. It will be understood, however, that other forms of typographic machines, such as line casting machines, type assembling machines and printing machines, may be equipped readily with mechanisms for responding to these signals on the control form to produce finished copy in accordance therewith.

In general :I'he tabulating mechanism comprising the principal feature of the present invention is adapted to be incorporated in a composing machine such as a control tape perforator without many way affecting the operation of the machine in the composition of non-tabular matter. Its pr mary function is to select and record appropriate signals on the control tape for causing the typographic machine to arrange the printed matter in a desired tabular form. The signals employed for this purpose are preferably of the permutational code type.

copy. More particularly, the control unit is set to designate the number of columns and the precise location of each column in the final copy. Th position signal selector "52, is actuated by a rotary controller or shaft 33, hereinafter referred to as the tabulating cam shaft, to select the signal combinations designated by the mechanism 3.! and to cause such signals to be recorded on a control tape 34 (Figs. 2 and 4).

Perforators of the above general character are ordinarily arranged for cyclic operation, that is, the operative elements thereof execute a complete cycle for each signal recorded or for each functional operation performed. The tabulatin mechanism of the present invention is accordingly arranged for operation in cycles hereinafter referred to as tabulating cycles, accurately co ordinated with the operating cycles of th machine in which it is incorporated. To this end, the tabulating cam shaft which times the operation of the mechanism is conveniently driven from the cam shaft which times the operation of th machine as will be explained in detail hereinafter.

The invention contemplates the use of two signals for each tabulating cycle of the typographic .iachine to be controlled. One of these signals, herein called the tabulating signal, conditions the typographic machine for tabulating and is the same in each tabulating cycle. The second signal, called the tabulating numeral signal, designates the particular position in the line in which a predetermined vertical row of numerals or digit column of a tabular column, as, for example, the first row counting from left to right, is to appear. A separate and distinct ve permutational code signal is allocated to each printing or digit posiiion in the l ne. Since numerals are most frequently u n tabular composition, it is preferto e the line into di it positions of onehalf cm width, this being the standard set width of the numerals to 9 as employed in the typographic art.

The tabular fo H1 designating mechanism 3! is set manually, as will be described in detail hereinafter, in accordance with the desired tabular form. that is, the number of tabular columns and the exact location in the line of a suitable reference int in each column. Such reference point may conveniently be the digit position at the exttreroe left edge of the column. This position is referred to throughout this specification as the initial digit position of the column. Thereafter, the operator simply actuates a tabulating key to initiate operation of the tabulating cam shaft 33 and the position signal selector 32 selects the proper signal combination designated by the mechanism 3! and records the signal on the control tape 34.

It is usually desirable in tabulating numerical items to have the digits of the same value, e. g, units digits, digits, hundreds digits, etc., alined vertically. Accordingly, when items differ-'- ing in number of digits are being tabulated only those with the maximum number of digits will start with the left hand digit in the initial digit position of the column. Shorter items will start in succeeding digit positions of the column so that the digits of the same value will aline properly with those of the long items. Under these conditions it is necessary to modify the action of the selecting mechanism to enable it to select a signal that represents the desired digit position in the column rather than the first digit position for which the form designating mechanism has been set. To this end, there is provided a plurality of tabulating keys eachv corresponding to a different digit position in the column.

As shown in Fig. 2, five tabulating keys designated respectively by the reference characters 35 to are provided in the exemplary mechanism here-in disclosed. Key 35 represents the first digit position of the column, key 36 the second digit position, key 37 the third digit position, etc. The is st four keys act to modify the operation of the selecting mechanism as will be explained in detail hereinafter so that short items will appear in their proper positions in the column.

Machine structure Referring now to the drawings, the composing machine selected to illustrate the invention comprises generally a signal recorder in the form of a punch mechanism 4H (Figs. 2, 4 and 23) for perforating permutational combinations of holes in the control tape 34, and a proof printing mechanism 52 (Figs. 2 and 22) for simultaneously printing on. a proof sheet 43 characters corresponding to the tape signals to provide a visual record for the guidance of the operator. Both mechanisms are controlled selectively from a ually operable keyboard M (Fig. 2).

The tabulating mechanism above referred to is ssembled in a unitary structure with the perforating and printing mechanisms and the tabulating 35 to as, inclusive, are conveniently arranged in the keyboard 44. As herein shown,

various mechanisms are supported on a suitable base or frame 45 and are arranged to be op rated by a common motor M through the me? n of a main drive shaft 46 (Figs. 1 and 19) The operations of the mechanisms are coordinated and controlled by means of suitable contr-alien or control devices preferably of the rotar type as cam shafts including a main cam shaft ll (Figs. 1, 2 and 20) and the tabulating shaft 33 (Figs. 1, 7 and 19). As herein shown, the main cam shaft 41 is coupled directly to the drive shaft if by bevel gearing ll (Fig. 1) so as execute a half revolution or one cycle each revolution of the main shaft. A suitable clutch 53, vhich may be of the friction type adapted to be released under control of the keyas hereinafter set forth, is interposed between the motor and the main drive shaft 46 for con-trolling its cyclic operation.

The tabulating cam shaft 33 is arranged to be itively driven from the main drive shaft in a 1 -anner such that each revolution or cycle of the tabulating cam shaft is a multiple of the main cam shaft. In the exemplary machine four revoiutions of the main shaft, that is, four cycles of the m in cam shaft 4'. are required to drive the tabulating cam shaft 33 through a single cycle. As rotation of the cam shaft is required only when the tabulating mechanism is in operation 6- 3 (Fig. 19), preferably of the positive g type, hereinafter referred to as the tabulating cam shaft clutch, is interposed between it and the main drive shaft 46 and suitable controls are provided for engaging and disengaging the clutch as will appear presently.

When used for ordinary composition, the clutch 49 is disengaged and the tabulating mechanism is thus rendered inactive. The clutch 48 is engaged however in response to each actuation of a character key of the keyboard to operate the main cam shaft 41 through a single operating cycle. In this operating cycle, the perforating mechanism 4| punches a permutational code signal in the tape 34 corresponding to the character or numeral represented by the key actuated. At the same time, the printing mechanism .42 prints the corresponding character or numeral on the proof sheet 43 and on the control tape adjacent the row of holes constituting the signal.

When the machine is used for tabular composition, both the main clutch 48 and the tabulating cam shaft clutch 49 are tripped and remain in driving engagement until the tabulating cam shaft completes a full revolution or tabulating cycle. In this cycle, the tabulating signal is first perforated in the control tape followed by the selection of and perforation in the tape of the tabulating numeral signal. The provision whereby the main drive shaft is required to execute four complete cycles for each cycle of the tabulating cam shaft allows sufficient time for the performance of the above operations.

The printing mechanism 42, as herein shown, is arranged to print a distinctive signal identifying the tabulating signal simultaneously with the perforation of such signal in the control tape.

No printing takes place in the selection and recording of the tabulating numeral signal but, instead, the mechanism is conditioned for printing in a particular position on the proof sheet in the next operating cycle of the machine. The construction and mode of operation of this mechanism is fully shown and described in Patent No. 2,196,354 above referred to.

Signal recording In the machine selected to illustrate the invention, the signals are recorded by the punch mechanism 4| which perforates a permutational group of holes in the control tape. As shown in Fig. 4, this mechanism comprises a group of twelve punches carried by individual slides 52 arranged for movement toward and from the plane of the control tape 34. The tape is fed between a guide plate 53 (Fig. 6) suitably apertured to receive the punches 5| and a shear plate 54 (Fig. 4) which cooperates with the punches so that the holes are punched cleanly without tearing the tape. As shown in Fig. 4, rollers 55 and 56 are provided for guiding the tape into operative relation to the punches, the roller 56 having sprocket teeth engaging feed holes in the tape and being driven intermittently for feeding the tape forwardly step by step in timed relation to successive operations of the punch mechanism as will appear presently.

The slides 52 which in effect constitute extensions of the respective punches 5| are preferably in the form of flat bars arranged in staggered relation with their inner edges overlapping as shown in Figs. 4 and 23. Frames 5'! disposed on opposite sides of the slide assembly are formed with suitable guide slots 58 separated by tongues 58' of substantially the same thickness as the slides whereby the grooves are positioned for the reception of alternate slides of the assembly. As shown in Fig. 4, the slides 52 are recessed along their inner edges as indicated at 59 for the reception of transversely disposed punch operating bars 60, there being one bar for each punch. The bars are guided at their upper ends by a comb Bl carried on the frames 51 and are normally held in an elevated position by individual springs 62.

Each of the bars 60 is operatively associated with one of the slides 52 by means of a lug 63 on the bar which engages in a complementary slot in the slide. The lug and slot are disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axes of the bar and slide as shown in Fig. 4 whereby endwise movement of the bar in one direction is effective to earn the slide toward the control tape while movement of the bar in the other direction serves to cam the slide in the opposite direction.

Power actuated means is provided for operating the bars 53 to advance and retract selected slides 52 and 7 their associated punches 5| in proper timed relation to the other operations of the machine. As herein shown, this means comprises a common actuator such as a rocker member 63 (Figs. 2 and 4) having a double cam follower in the form of rollers 65 coacting with a cam 86 on the main cam shaft 41. As previously stated, the main cam shaft is driven directly from the main drive shaft 46 so as to rotate through a half revolution in each operating cycle of the machine. The cam 65 is so shaped that in this rotation of the cam shaft the member 64 is oscillated about its pivot 61 and, through suitable operative connections, actuates the punches selectively, first advancing them into engagement with the control tape and then retracting them to normal position.

The foregoing operation is carried out through the medium f a bar 68 pivoted at one end of the member 64 and having rack teeth adjacent its other end adapted to mesh with the teeth of a pinion 69 fast on a rock shaft it. A bail comprising a pair of spaced arms H fast on the rock shaft and a cross shaft or rod 12 pivotally supports a series of floating levers 13, one for each punch operating bar 69. Each punch operating bar 65 is pivotally connected to one end of its associated floating lever 13. Pivoted on the other end of the lever 13 is a feeler bar 14 adapted to coperate at its lower end with control bars 15 which constitute a part of the permutation selector mechanism of the machine. The upper ends of the bars '54 normally abut against a stationary stop 74 The control bars 75 are arranged to be shifted in various permutational combinations to control the operation of the punches 5! in recording both character and tabulating signals. The bars in this instance are released for endwise movement by leaf springs 15 under control of codal elements or flags 15 and 11 forming part of the permutation selector mechanism and described in more detail hereinafter. Formed in the upper edge of each control bar is a notch 18 adapted to receive the associated feeler bar '14 when the control bar is in normal or retracted position. Upon oscillation of the member 64, the shaft 10 is rocked to carry the bail for the floating levers l3 bodily toward the control bars. This movement takes place subsequently to the setting of the control bars under control of the flags 16, Tl, etc., when the latter are operated either in response to the actuating of a character key or a tabulating key. Under these conditions, certain of the control bars remain in normal position while others move to their advanced position.

The bars in normal position present their notches 18 for the reception of the feeler bars 14, and when the bail rod 72 moves downwardly, the feeler bars enter these notches and the floating levers 13 are caused to turn in a clockwise direction through the action of the springs 52 on the punch operating bars 66. The punches corresponding to the punch bars 60 whose feeler bars 14 enter notches 18 thus remain inactive and no perforation is made in the control tape.

The control bars 15 that have been shifted from normal position have their notches l8 withdrawn from the path of the associated feeler bars 74. Accordingly, when the floating lever bail is moved toward the control bars by the cam 66, the bars 14 are blocked by encountering an unnotched portion of the associated control bar. The floating levers 13 are thus rocked in a counterclockwise direction to draw the associated punch bars 69 downward whereby to advance the slides 52 and their associated punches to perforate the control tape. It will be apparent therefore that the number and arrangement of the perforations in the tape, that is, the

permutational value of the signal represented by these perforations corresponds to the setting of the control bars of the permutational selector mechanism.

To record the tabulating numeral signal, the

feeler bars 14 are also arranged to cooperate with latch bars 19 herein shown as supported for endwise sliding movement transversely of the feeler bars and disposed above the control bars 15. Each bar 19 when shifted into operated position, engages in a notch 80 in the side of the associated feeler bar. The feeler bar is thus blocked against downward movement when the floating lever bail is rocked and, accordingly,

the punch corresponding to the blocked feeler bar is advanced to perforate a hole in the control tape. The latch bars 19 are positioned in accordance with the signal selected by the tabulating mechanism, as will appear presently; hence, the signal perforated in the control tape under the control of the latch bars 19 will corre- A spond exactly to the selected tabulating numeral signal.

Tabulating numeral signal selection Since the initial digit position of a tabular l column may fall in any digit position in a line, it is desirable to provide for the selection of a signal combination individual to each digit position in the line. The selection of the proper signal for a particular form of composition is Q it is composed of a plurality of relatively shiftable sections consisting in the present instance of a pair of fiat metal strips or tapes 8| and 82, hereinafter referred to as the primary master tape and the secondary master tape, respectively. .The latter tape is provided with a series of signal combinations each representing a particular section of a line while the primary master tape ---is provided with a series of signals each representing a specific subdivision of a section. The

subdivisions, in the present instance are of onehalf em width, that is, the same width as a digit position of the line. Accordingly, by properly combining selected signals on the two master tapes, a composite signal of distinctive character may be formed to represent any digit position in the line.

In the exemplary embodiment herein disclosed, the signal combinations on the master tapes are in the form of permutational sets of holes arranged in rows extending transversely of the tapes, and the tapes are supported side by side in a common plane so that any set of holes in one tape may be alined with any set of holes in the other tape by the relative shifting of the tapes. As herein shown, each tape has four hole positions in each row, affording a maximum of sixteen different signal combinations per tape. By sliding the tapes endwise, one relative to the other, any row of holes in the one tape may be alined with any row of holes in the other tape to form an eight-unit code signal, thus giving the control form a capacity equal to the product of the number of different signal combinations in the two tapes.

In the machine selected to illustrate the invention only 192 different signal combinations are used which is sufficient to designate all of the digit positions in an eight-inch line printed in six-point type. The primary master tape 8| is therefore provided with sixteen different fourunit combinations, while the secondary master tape .82 is provided with twelve different fourunit combinations. For reasons to be explained presently, the first four combinations on the tape 8| are repeated at the end of the series so that there are actually twenty rows of holes in this tape.

The positioning of the master tapes 8| and 8 2 to aline predetermined rows of holes in the two tapes and thereby select an eight-unit signal combination is effected primarily by the control unit 31 of the tabulating mechanism through the medium of two .groups of combination bars 83 and 84 operatively associated with the respective tapes. The combination bars are arranged transversely of andin the same plane as the tapes but :are normally :held out of the path of the tapes by :a bail 85 carried on a rock shaft 85 When the bail is withdrawn, one bar in each group is moved rearwardly by an associated leaf spring 86 so as toact as a stop to limit a shifting movement (to' the right in Fig. '7) of the associated master tape. As the spacing of the bars corresponds to the pitch of the rows of holes in the tape, it will be apparent that any desired alinement of the rows may be obtained by selective release of the combination bars. This selective release is effected, in the present instance, by

'code bars 81 forming a part of the control unit "bifurcated to form spaced fingers engageable with the lugs 90 of the respective tapes. As shown in Fig. 7, the arm 91 is mounted on a rock shaft 92 which has a segmental gear 93 meshing with teeth formed in the rearwardly extending portion of a rocking member 94 loosely mounted on a cross shaft 95. The forward end of the rocking member is formed to provide two spaced arms each of which carries a cam follower in the form of a roller 96 engageable with a cam 91 on the tabulating cam shaft 33. Through the action of the cam 91, the arm 9I is withdrawn and the master tapes 8| and 82 are thus released to the control of the combination bars 83 and 84 at a predetermined point in each tabulating cycle. The tapes are returned to normal rest position by the action of the cam after the selected tabulating numeral signal has been recorded on the control tape.

Means is provided for latching the two sections of the master form in different set positions so as to position the sections accurately during the transfer of the selected signal combination to the signal recording mechanism. As herein shown, this means includes a latch bolt IOI operating with the primary master tape 8| anda latch bolt I02 cooperating with the'secondary master tape 82. Each bolt has a tapered nose adapted to engage in suitable notches I03 formed in opposite lateral edges of the respective tapes (see Fig. 8). The shape of the notches I03 and the ends of the bolts I 0| and I02 are such that the tapes ill and 82 are positively locked against advancing motion by the springs 88, yet the tapes may be withdrawn to normal position by the arm 9|. In this withdrawal, the bolts are cammed out of engagement with the tapes by the inclined sides of the notches. The notches are spaced apart so that when the bolts are entered, the

rows of holes will be alined accurately.

The bolts IOI and I02 are supported for movement toward and from the master tapes by slides I04 and I disposed below the tapes. Springs I06 acting on the bolts tend to move them into engagement with the notches I03. Such movement is prevented and the bolts are normally held in a withdrawn position by a bail I01 carried on an arm I08 of a rock shaft I09, the bail engaging inwardly projecting flanges IIO formed on the lower edges of the respective bolts. The shaft I09 is operatively'connected by an arm I II and a link II2 with a rocker arm II3 which has a cam follower II 4 cooperating with a cam II5 on the tabulating cam shaft 33. The cam H5 is so shaped that the bail I0! is raised to permit the latch bolts to enter the notches. I03 at the proper point in the tabulating cycle after the tapes have been shifted in the formation of a predetermined signal combination.

Supplemental positioning of master tapes In the preferred form of the invention, the combination bars 83 and 84 are arranged to-operate in successive cycles to set the master tapes BI and 82 so as to form signal combinations designating the first digit position of the successive tabular columns. When the first figure or character of an item is to be printed in a digit position other than the initial digit position of the column, a supplemental positioning of the master tapes is required. Thus when a four-figure item appears in a column having five digit positions, the first figure of the item must be placed in the second digit position of the column and accordingly the signal selected-by the initial positioning of the master tapes must be modified to designate the second digit position. Similar signal modification is required in the case of three, two or single figure items. This modification is effected by the supplemental positioning of the master tapes under control of the particular tabular key selected to initiate the tabulating cycle as will appear presently.

The supplemental setting of the master tapes is effected in the present instance by releasing the latch .bolt supporting slides I04 and I05 for movement with the master tapes under the influence of the master tape actuating springs, If printing is to be effected in the second digit position of the column, the slide I04 is permitted to advance one step to aline the next adjacent row of holes in the tape 8I with the selected row in the tape 82. For printing in the third digit position of the column, the tape is advanced two steps, for the fourth digit position three steps. etc.

The extent of supplemental movement of the master tape BI is controlled by a digit positioner slide bar II6 which is freed for movement in steps of varying length in accordance with the particular tabulating key depressed. The bar I I6 is formed with rack teeth I I1 engaging a gear segment II8 supported on a transverse shaft II9 adjacent the right end of the keyboard. A link I connects the gear segment with a lever I2I pivoted at one end on a pin I22 and having at its other end a laterally projecting lug I23 engaging in a slot I24 in the slide I04. Thus, when the digit positioner slide bar II6 is released by the tabulating keys, primary master tape BI is given a supplemental positioning movement to select a signal combination representing a digit position subsequent to the initial digit position of the column initially selected by the control unit of the tabulating mechanism.

Supplemental positioning of the secondary master tape 82 is required only when the primary master tape is initially positioned to select a signal representing a digit position in one section of the line and then permitted to advance one or more steps by the digit positioner slide bar to select a signal representing a digit position in the succeeding section of the line. Under these conditions, it is necessary to advance the secondary master tape one step in order to select the proper signal combination for the succeeding line section so that the combined signals will designate the correct position in the line.

The means provided for effecting the supplemental positioning of the tape 82, as shown in Fig. 8, comprises a tape rider in the form of an arm I25 fast on a rock shaft I 26 journaled on the machine frame and extending transversely over the master tapes. Fast on the other end of the shaft I26 is an arm I21 engageable with a pin I28 carried on the slide I05. The relative positioning of the arms I25 and I2! is such that the slide is held in its normal rest position against the tension of the secondary master tape advancing spring 88 as long as the rider I25 is in engagement with the primary master tape 8I. When the latter tape is advanced to select a row of holes beyond the sixteenth row, the rider drops 'over the end of the tape and thereby permits the slide I05 and secondary master tape to which it is latched to advance one step.

The slide I04 is restored to normal rest position at the end of the tabulating cycle by a cam I29 on the tabulating cam shaft acting through a pivoted cam follower I 29 having an arm engageable with a roller I30 carried on the slide I04. The cam I 29 is timed with respect to the cams 91 and I I5 so that the return movement starts only after the master tapes have been picked up by machine may be the arm 9i and the latch bolts IUI and I02 have been withdrawn. In case the secondary master tape 82 has advanced, that is, if the tape rider I25 has passed over the end of the primary master tape 8!, the return movement of the latter tape under the action of the arm 9! serves to rock the rider and shaft I26 which, through the arm I21, restores the slide I05 to normal position.

Transfer of selected signal to recording mechanism The sets of holes constituting the tabulating numeral signal selected by the initial and supplemental positioning of the master tapes, as above described, are alined in operative relation to a set of master tape feelers I3I (Figs. 4, 7, 8 and 23). Each feeler is carried on a floating lever I32 in the form of a bell crank having a pair of oppositely extending horizontal arms I32 and I32 and a vertical arm I32, the feeler being pivotally secured to the arm I32 The floating levers are pivotally supported on a shaft I33 carried on the rearwardly extending arms of an oscillating member I34 loosely mounted on the cross shaft 95. The arm I32 of each floating lever has an operative connection with one of the latch bars I9, previously described, as shown in Fig. 4.

The member I34 is arranged to be oscillated by a cam E35 (Fig. 7) on the tabulating cam shaft 33 which coacts with a double cam follower in the form of rollers I38 carried on the member. With the member I33 in its normal rest position as shown in Fig. 7, the arms I32 of the floating levers engage a fixed stop I31 and thus hold the associated feelers in their upper position against a fixed stop I38. The latch bars 19 are thus held in an intermediate position with their forward ends adjacent but out of engagement with the notches 80 of the respective punch control bars I4 (Fig. 4).

When the control member I34 is rocked in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figs. 4 and 7, the feelers I3I are moved toward the master tapes. The feelers that do not encounter holes in the tape are blocked by the tape and consequently the associated floating levers I32 are rocked in a counterclockwise direction. The latch bars associated with these floating levers are thereby shifted to the left, as viewed in the above mentioned figures. The feelers I3I which find holes in the master tapes enter such holes and the associated latch bars are held in their retracted position by their individual springs I39. Thus the latch bars I9 are set in a permutational code combination corresponding to the code signal combination selected by the positioning of the master tapes as determined jointly by the control unit and the particular tabulating key actuated to initiate the tabulating cycle. The setting of the latch bars controls the operation of the punch mechanism, as hereinbefore described, whereby the selected signal combination is perforated in the control tape 34.

Tabulating mechanism controZ unit It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the selecting action of the tabulating numeral selecting mechanism 32 is controlled primarily by the combination bars 83 and 84. These bars, in turn, are operated selectively by the control unit SI through the medium of the code bars Bl. Preferably the control unit is adjustable for different tabular forms so that the employed in the preparation, of

any type of tabular composition without structural changes or modifications and without replacement or substitution of parts.

The control unit SI in it preferred form comprises a suitable recording medium upon which a pattern of the tabular form to be composed may be set up. The recording medium in the present instance consists of a series of pin bars I4I (Figs. 9, 10 and 15) each having settable elements in the form of pins I 52 operative when set to control the movements of the code bars 81. These pins are adapted to be set in different permutational combinations to designate the various digit positions in a line at which the tabular columns are to begin and thus effect an appropriate setting of the code bars to select the proper signals for this purpose. One pin bar is employed to represent each tabular column of the form to be composed. Herein thirty-two of the pin bars are shown, providing for a tabular form utilizing a maximum of thirty-two columns. The pin bars not required in any particular composition are rendered inactive temporarily as one step in the process of setting up the pattern of the tabular form.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, each of the pin bars Idi consists of upper and lower plates in the form of flat metal strips I23 and I44 held inparallel spaced relation by suitable spacers I45. The plates are formed with uniformly spaced holes for the reception of the pins I42, the pins being of somewhat greater length than the distance between the outside surfaces of the plates and therefore projecting beyond the plates. The pins are slidable vertically in the holes in the plates and may occupy either of two positions, namely, an upper position, hereinafter called the non-pushed position, and a lower position called the pushed position. A flat spring I 46 interlaced with the pins serves to hold them in either position by frictional engagement.

In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated, each pin bar is equipped with eight of the pins 542. This provides for a maximum of 256 different permutational signal combinations of which only 192 are used in the present instance, one combination being allocated to each digit position in the line as hereinbefore explained. Any pin bar ma therefore be set to designate the initial digit position of any one of the thirty-two tabular columns beginning in any digit position of the line.

The pin bars are supported above the code bars 8'! (Fig. 9) for movement transversely thereof whereby the pins I42 may be moved into or out of alinement with the code bars. When the pins of a pin bar are alined with the code bars, the pin bar is in what may be termed the active position and under these conditions, the pins in pushed position enter notches in the associated code bars and hold them in retracted position. The code bars alined with non-pushed pins are not blocked and are therefore permitted to advance at the proper point in the tabulating cycle as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The particular combination in which the code bars are set under control of the pins determines which of the combination bars 83 and 84 shall be efiective in positionin the master tapes.

Novel means is provided by which the pins of the pin bars may be quickly and easily set in the desired combinations. As herein shown, this means comprises a pin setting mechanism I41 (Fig. 16) having a series of pin pushers in the form of elongated rods 5%, and a cooperat- 

